FRU strikes deal

THE Fiji Rugby Union said yesterday it would release full details of its new five-year sponsorship at a later date.

On Monday night, the FRU released a statement announcing it had secured a "lucrative" sponsorship although it did not identify the sponsor.

The terms and details will be announced by FRU chairman Filimoni Waqabaca.

"I have no comments about that," FRU acting chief executive Berlin Kafoa said when queried about the sponsor's name.

"The chairman will announce the full details later."

Last week, mobile phone company Digicel Fiji warned it would take legal action against FRU to protect its contractual rights to properties which it had sponsored since 2006, and asked FRU to sign a memorandum of agreement so it could immediately release $250,000 to Rugby House.

However, this did not deter FRU as it took its time before announcing the new sponsorship on Monday night.

"The board of the Fiji Rugby Union is very pleased to announce that after careful consideration a lucrative five-year sponsorship contract has been signed," an FRU statement said.

"Given the importance of rugby as a unifying force in the nation, it is critical that we secure a sponsorship that will strengthen and develop the status of Fiji rugby further.

"The board is excited about this partnership, details of which will be announced later."